Buffalo National River Fire Update

Date: January 20, 2015
Contact: Caven Clark, 870-365-2790

There are at least four discrete fires burning in or near Buffalo National River as of1 pm,Tuesday, January 20, 2015. The largest, the Jackson Ridge fire in the Lower Buffalo Wilderness was brought under 100% containment at 1 pm today with a total of 800 acres burned at this time. Eight National Park Service and three United States Forest Service fire fighters remain on scene.

A second fire was reported at about11 am Mondayin the Toney Bend area (Marion County). At this time the fire as covered approximately 175 acres, threatening area homes.  It is considered fully contained and is being monitored by four NPS and three Arkansas Forestry Commission fire fighters.

The "Blue Ribbon" fire (Searcy County) was reportedSundayevening and has consumed approximately 693 acres, threatening a small number of structures. There are seven NPS fire fighters currently on scene. This fire is not yet fully contained at this time.

A fourth fire, the "Baker's Dozen" fire near Tomahawk Creek (Searcy County) was reportedSundayand fully contained at 80 acres. Two NPS fire fighters remain on scene to monitor.

A fifth fire has been reported in Searcy County between Tyler Bend and Richland Valley but has not been located at this time.

Fire weather today remains essentially the same but with diminished winds and slightly higher humidity. The rain forecast will likely not benefit current suppression efforts.

The closure of the "duckhead" portion of the Lower Buffalo Wilderness remains in effect: This closure means that no unauthorized persons may legally enter the area indicated on the map. The river remains open but visitors should use the river-left bank (north side) for any camping or other activities. No threats are anticipated, but it could be very smoky at times. 

At this time we do not have any statement on the cause(s) of these fires. It is a routine obligation that we conduct an investigation on all fires to determine probable cause. Insofar as there have been no lightning strikes, intentional arson or accidental ignition remain the best candidates.

To find out if the closure has been lifted, please call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870/439-2502 or the Buffalo Point Visitor Contact Station at 870/449-4310. All fires, accidents, and unsafe conditions can be reported to Buffalo National River Dispatch at 888/692-1162. Please exercise extreme care while enjoying your national park as fire conditions continue at a moderate level.